Monkstown FC and Dublin Business School have entered into a new phase in their respective club developments.

DBS Rugby has been developed in recent seasons by Lucas O'Callaghan and Fosi Pala'amo and since their hard work last year in coaching DBS and creating its relationship with Monkstown, a new formal partnership has been signed.

Monkstown FC, a club steeped in Dublin rugby history, was formed back in 1883. They train and play at Sydney Parade close to the Dart station in Sandymount.

Monkstown's director of rugby Michael Davies said: "This is a fantastic relationship for Monkstown who do not yet have a direct relationship with a school, although our Mini section of 6 to 13-year-olds is growing all the time.

"We have over 50 boys and girls playing for Monkstown Minis and we felt this opportunity with DBS, created by the foresight and energy of Lucas, Fosi and Tony Peoples of DBS, has now progressed to a point of formally agreeing a relationship for those students of an older age.

"This is just part of the development plan that the club has been striving to develop for our participatory rugby numbers which will hopefully lead to success at higher levels in our club."

This partnership will provide two Rugby Scholarships available between Monkstown FC and Dublin Business School for the 2012/13 season and will help develop rugby in the college as well as at 'Town.

Davies added: "By providing this opportunity we feel that we can help support rugby at DBS as well creating a link for men and women to play rugby while they are at college.

"This is the first year we have women training and playing rugby primarily Tag and Touch but full contact is an ambition, if they wish to, and we hope to see the women player numbers increase."

Tony Peoples, the Sports and Societies Development Officer of DBS, said: "I'm very excited about this partnership with Monkstown FC as it will offer new opportunities to our students and will also add to rugby's popularity in the area.

"Monkstown FC is one of the best run rugby clubs in the country and their commitment to be successful matches what we are trying to achieve at DBS."

The countdown is on to the Women's Sevens Dublin tournament in UCD on August 22-23. Anthony Eddy, IRFU Director of Rugby Sevens & Women's Rugby, previews what promises to be an exciting couple of days.

Tickets for the tournament start at 5 euro, with children free, and are available to buy here - http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Womens-Sevens-Series-tickets/artist/2134381?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module.

Jenny Murphy talks about the progress made by the Ireland Women's Sevens team and their pool draw for the upcoming Women's Sevens Dublin tournament in UCD on August 22-23.

Tickets for the tournament start at 5 euro, with children free, and are available to buy here - http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Womens-Sevens-Series-tickets/artist/2134381?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module.

Conor Murray and Tommy Bowe speak to Irish Rugby TV about their Rugby World Cup preparations and thank the thousands of supporters who came out to see the players at the open training session at the Sportsground.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell gives his verdict on the team's new Rugby World Cup jersey and talks about his move to French club Toulon. Ireland's RWC 2015 range is available to pre-order now from http://shop.irishrugby.ie.

Anthony Eddy, IRFU Director of Rugby Sevens, talks about the target of a top three finish for both the Ireland Men and Women in Lisbon this weekend, as they continue on their quests for Olympic qualification.

Tom Daly, who recently captained the Ireland Men's Sevens team to the European Division C and B titles, is looking forward to playing in this weekend's Rugby Europe Olympic Repechage tournament in Lisbon, Portugal.

Ireland will host the 'Women's Sevens Dublin' at UCD on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23. Tournament director Garrett Tubridy and Ireland stars Lucy Mulhall, Jenny Murphy and Louise Galvin speak about their excitement ahead of the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series qualifier.

Coach Allen Clarke and stand-in captain Billy Holland answer questions from the media following Emerging Ireland's 45-12 victory over Georgia in the final round of their successful Tbilisi Cup campaign.

Emerging Ireland coach Allen Clarke speaks about his side's five-try 33-7 win over Uruguay in the Tbilisi Cup and the first half injury to captain Rhys Ruddock. They wrap up the tournament against hosts Georgia on Sunday.

Speaking about the floods that occurred following the Tbilisi Cup's first round, Emerging Ireland team manager Joey Miles said: "A natural event like that, a tragedy like that puts the game of rugby into perspective. We express our regrets to the Georgian people and the Georgian Union for the terrible tragedy that they had."

David O'Reilly from the IRFU Charitable Trust's Corporate Patrons Committee speaks about the new scheme which provides businesses with unique networking opportunities and provides a platform for companies to effectively activate their CSR programmes. For further information, please contact Linda Black of the Charitable Trust - telephone (01) 6473866 or email: linda.black@irfu.ie / http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/34728.php.